Bible Society New Zealand is delighted to announce the appointment of a new CEO, Neels Janse van Rensburg, who will commence his tenure on 1 April 2019.
The current General Manager of Manna Christian Stores, Neels has more than 18 year's experience in fostering operational efficiencies across the corporate, private and non-profit sectors.
He served as a Chief Operating Officer and Divisional Director at a number of different organisations in South Africa. More recently he worked as a senior manager at the ANZ Bank in New Zealand.
Neels joined Bible Society in January 2013 as Missions Delivery Manager before moving to Relationships Director, where he was responsible for all external stakeholder interaction and mission resource delivery.
Following Bible Society’s acquisition of Manna Christian Stores in July 2017, he was appointed to the role of General Manager of Manna but also continued as a member of Bible Society Leadership Team.
“Neels Janse van Rensburg is an accomplished senior management professional,” commented James Coleman, BSNZ board Chair, “and we're delighted to have him take up this key position at Bible Society.”
Neels also ministers as a co-pastor for a North Shore, Auckland church and has been involved in Christian ministry for 27 years.
Neels obtained his Licentiate in Theology (LTH) in 2002 and Bachelors in Ministry in 2006. Originally from South Africa, Neels, along with his wife Jeanine and two daughters, came to live in New Zealand in November 2010.
Commenting on his new position Neels said, “I am looking forward to leading one of New Zealand’s most established Christian charities into its next phase of development.”
Neels takes over from Francis Burdett, who is retiring after nine years as Bible Society CEO.
Sarah Richards heads the media for Bible Society NZ and serves as a Kiwi young writer Panellist for Press Service International.
Sarah Richards has a Post-graduate Dip in journalism and has written for a number of secular and Christian newspapers, magazines and websites in New Zealand including Challenge Weekly, Christian Life, Bible Society New Zealand and the Daily Encourager. She is also a trained counsellor.
Sarah loves family and has two young adult children and a Minnie poodle. In her spare time she runs, walks, writes, attends church and visits cafes!